Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor

ABSTRACT

A liquid dispenser uses a flexible bag having expansible and collapsible cells. A rigid manifold is provided in the bag to keep passages open in use and to isolate one of the cells from the remaining cells. In one application, a concentrated drink mix may be held in a reservoir and diluted within other cells in the bag for dispensing to a cup or the like. A valve system allows for the particulates in the liquid without compromising the function of the valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to pumps which act on flexiblebags to dispense fluent material, and more particularly to a liquiddispenser employing a flexible bag suitable for higher flow rateoperation.

[0002] Pumps are often used in applications where the surfacescontacting a fluent material being pumped should be kept clean. Suchfluent materials include food, beverages, and medicinal products in theform of liquids, powders, slurries, dispersions, particulate solids orother pressure transportable fluidizable material. For instance, wherethe fluent material is a food additive for a food product, it isimperative that surfaces contacting the material be maintained in anaseptic condition. Accordingly, the parts of the pump which contact thefood are made of materials (e.g., stainless steel) which are highlyresistant to corrosion and can be cleaned. However, it is also known toisolate the material by having the pump act on a flexible bag containingthe fluent material, rather than on the fluent material itself. Thereare many examples in the context of delivery of medicines. Co-pendingand co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/909,422, filed Jul.17, 2001, Ser. No. 09/978,649, filed Oct. 16, 2001 and Ser. No.10/156,732, filed May 28, 2002 disclose pumps of this type andillustrate applications in the handling of food and products other thanmedicine. The disclosure of these applications is incorporated herein byreference.

[0003] The application of pumps of the aforementioned type outside thefield of medicine often requires higher flow rates. The flow rates mayproduce fluid flow effects which act on the flexible bag in ways whichare detrimental to its operation. For instance, the bag material maytend to collapse under pressure drops caused by rapid fluid flow rates.It is desirable to be able to perform several manipulations of thefluent material in the flexible bag, such as mixing of two componentmaterials. Handling of the fluent material in this manner requiresvalving which operates without direct contact with the fluent material.If the fluent material is liquid containing particulate matter, theparticulate matter can block a valve from reaching a fulling closedposition, allowing for leakage past the valve. One such example offluent material containing particulate matter is orange juice whichcontains pulp. Still further, pumps of this general type use vacuum andpressure pumps for applying a vacuum and a positive pressure to theflexible bag to induce flow of fluent material. In many contexts, it isless desirable to employ vacuum pumps and pressure pumps because theyrequire space and can generate undesirable noise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a flexible container fordelivery of metered quantities of fluent material therefrom generallycomprises a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet at leastpartially in opposed relationship with the first sheet such that thefirst and second sheets define a volume capable of holding the fluentmaterial. A manifold located between the first and second sheetsincludes passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing wallsextending between sides of the manifold. At least portions of themanifold at the sides between the opposing walls are open, and the wallsinclude at least one region in which the walls diverge and converge withrespect to each other to define a valve window in the passage element.The first and second flexible sheets are sealingly attached to themanifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifold therebyto define with the walls a passage for the fluent material within themanifold. At least one of the first and second flexible sheets areelastically deformable at the valve window to a position between thewalls for occluding the passage at the valve window.

[0005] In another aspect of the present invention, a flow controlapparatus for controlling the flow of a fluent material from a flexiblecontainer by acting on the container generally comprises a shell sizedand shaped for receiving at least a portion of the flexible containertherein. A valve includes a valve head disposed for movement relative tothe shell between an open position in which fluent material may flowwithin the flexible container past the location of the valve head and aclosed position in which fluent material is blocked from flowing withinthe flexible container past the location of the valve head. The valvehead includes a compliant tip adapted to resiliently deform for at leastpartially enveloping and sealing around particulate matter in the fluentmaterial to inhibit leaking of fluent material past the valve head. Thecompliant tip of the valve head engages the container in the closedposition to stop the flow of fluent material,

[0006] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a drink dispensercomprises a flexible bag comprising a first sheet and a second sheet anda manifold received between the first and second sheet. The first andsecond sheets are joined together to define plural cells capable ofcontaining liquid. The plural cells include a reservoir cell containinga concentrated drink liquid, a first dosing cell for receiving a volumeof concentrated drink liquid to be diluted, a second dosing cell forreceiving a volume of a diluent for diluting the concentrated drinkliquid for consumption, and first and second mixing cells for receivingthe volumes of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first andsecond dosing cells to mix the concentrated drink liquid and thediluent. The flexible bag further comprises a manifold defining apassage connecting in fluid communication the reservoir cell and thefirst dosing cell. The manifold defines a passage for deliveringconcentrated drink liquid from the reservoir cell to the first dosingcell. The passage includes two branches for selectively deliveringconcentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosingcells to the first mixing cell and to the second mixing cell. A flowcontrol apparatus at least partially receiving the flexible bag includesvalves arranged for engaging the flexible bag for deforming at least oneof the first and second sheets to selectively occlude portions of thepassage. A controller is capable of operating the valves to alternatelyblock the passage branch to the second mixing cell while leaving thebranch to the first mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drinkliquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the firstmixing cell, and block the passage branch to the first mixing cell whileleaving the branch to the second mixing cell open for delivery ofconcentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosingcells to the second mixing cell.

[0007] Other objects and features of the present invention will be inpart apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective of a juice dispenser constructed accordingto the principles of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is the perspective of FIG. 1, but with a front door of thedispenser housing removed to show internal flow control apparatus of thedispenser;

[0010]FIG. 3 is the perspective of FIG. 2, but with the flow controlapparatus moved out from the dispenser housing;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective similar to FIG. 3, but showing thedispenser from a right hand side vantage;

[0012]FIG. 5 is an elevation of a disposable flexible bag as seen fromthe left side as the bag is oriented in FIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of the flexible bag;

[0014]FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a manifold of the flexible bag;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the manifold;

[0016]FIG. 9 is a perspective of the manifold;

[0017]FIG. 10 is a section taken in the plane including line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 and showing a valve seat of the manifold;

[0018]FIG. 11 is a schematic section similar to FIG. 10 illustrating avalve in an open position;

[0019]FIG. 12 is a schematic section like FIG. 11, but showing the valvein a closed position;

[0020]FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective of the valve including itssolenoid driver;

[0021]FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective of a head of the valve with avalve tip exploded therefrom;

[0022]FIG. 15 is a front elevation of a fixed shell of the flow controlapparatus;

[0023]FIG. 16 is a rear elevation thereof;

[0024]FIG. 17 is a front elevation of a pivoting shell of the flowcontrol apparatus;

[0025]FIG. 18 is a rear elevation thereof;

[0026]FIG. 19 is a vertical section of the flow control apparatusincluding the flexible bag;

[0027]FIG. 19A is a schematic section taken generally along line 19A-19Aof FIG. 19;

[0028]FIG. 20 is a simplified electrical schematic of the flow controlapparatus;

[0029]FIG. 21 is a simplified pneumatic circuit of the flow controlapparatus;

[0030]FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow controlapparatus in a fixed volume dispensing mode;

[0031]FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow controlapparatus in a continuous flow dispensing mode;

[0032]FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a pneumatic circuit of aflow apparatus of a second embodiment including double acting cylinders;

[0033]FIG. 25 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow controlapparatus of the second embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 26 is another version of the flow control apparatus of thesecond embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 27 is still another version of the flow control apparatus ofthe second embodiment; and

[0036]FIG. 28 is a further version of the flow control apparatus of thesecond embodiment.

[0037] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1-4, adrink dispenser 1 is shown to comprise a rectangular housing or cabinet3 defining a compartment 5 containing flow control apparatus 7constructed according to the principles of the present invention fordispensing a drink from a flexible bag 9 acted upon by the flow controlapparatus. The foregoing reference numerals designate their subjectgenerally. A stand 11 (which may be formed integrally with the cabinet3) supports the cabinet in an elevated position above the standproviding a space for placing a cup C or other suitable container belowan output nozzle 13 to receive the beverage dispensed (e.g., orangejuice). Although the illustrated embodiments show the invention in thecontext of a consumable liquid dispenser, the invention may be used todispense other, non-consumable liquids as well as matter which isfluent, but not liquid. The cabinet 3 includes a front door 15 which ishinged to the remainder of the cabinet. The front door may be swung opento access the flow control apparatus 7 on the interior of the cabinet 3.For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the front door 15 has beencompletely removed in FIGS. 2-4. A button 17 on the front door 15 isconnected to a controller (described hereinafter) for controlling thedispenser 1 to dispense the beverage into the cup C when the button ispressed. The drink dispenser 1 may operate to deliver a fixed volume ofthe beverage each time the button 17 is pressed, or to deliver beveragein a continuous flow so long as the button is held down. Of course,levers or other types of devices (not shown) for activating thedispenser may be employed.

[0039] The flow control apparatus 7 is mounted on an upper slide and alower slide (indicated generally at 19 and 21, respectively), both ofwhich are fixed to the cabinet 3 within the compartment 5. Each slide19, 21 includes telescoping sections (19A, 19B and 21A, 21B) which allowthe flow control apparatus 7 to be moved out of the compartment 5 forservicing, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A rectangular frame, generallyindicated at 23, is connected as by bolts to the outer slide sections19B, 21B of both the upper and lower slides 19, 21 and forms the basisfor connection of the other components of the flow control apparatus 7.A fixed shell member 25 is attached to the lower end of the frame 23 anda pivoting shell member 27 is attached by hinges (generally indicated at29, see FIG. 19) to the fixed shell member for pivoting between a closedoperating position (FIG. 3) and an open position (FIG. 4). A pair ofV-blocks 31 mounted on an upper end of the fixed shell member 25 extendoutwardly from the fixed shell member in the direction of the pivotingshell member 27. The V-blocks 31 locate the flexible bag 9 and mountrespective latch bolt receptacles 33 for receiving latch bolts 35 oflatching mechanisms, generally indicated at 37, attached to the pivotingshell member 27. The latching mechanisms 37 each include a base 39, alever 41 pivotally mounted on the base and connected to the latch bolt35 for extending and retracting the latch bolt to lock the pivotingshell member 27 in the closed position (FIG. 3), and unlock the pivotingshell member for swinging down to the open position (FIG. 4). The fixedshell member 25 also mounts eight solenoid valves (designated generallyby references V1-V8) which operate to control flow of fluent materialwithin the flexible bag 9 in operation of the drink dispenser 1, andfluid pressure control valves (designated generally by referencesPV1-PV4) used in the application of vacuum and positive pressures to theflexible bag. The operation of the solenoid valves V1-V8 and controlvalves PV1-PV4 will be explained more fully hereinafter. The solenoidvalves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 are enclosed by a cover 47releasably attached to the frame 23. The cover is shown broken away inFIG. 3 so that the internal arrangement of the solenoid valves V1-V8 andcontrol valves PV1-PV4 may be seen. The compartment 5 is refrigerated,and the cover 47 shields the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valvesPV1-PV4 from condensing moisture within the cold compartment.

[0040] The upper corners of the frame 23 mount pins 49 which arereceived through openings 51 (see FIG. 5) in corresponding corners ofthe flexible bag 9 for hanging the bag on the frame. The pins 47 eachhave annular grooves 53 near their distal ends (see FIG. 19) whichreceive and locate the bag 9 axially of the pins. The flexible bagextends down from the pins 47 between the V-blocks 31 and into the spacebetween the fixed shell member 25 and the pivoting shell member 27 whenthey are in the closed position. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, theflexible bag 9 is shown to comprise a first sheet 55 and a second sheet57. The flexible bag 9 is seen in FIG. 5 from the side facing the fixedshell member 25. The first and second sheets 55, 57 have the samegenerally rectangular size and shape, and are superposed with eachother. The first and second sheets 55, 57 are liquid impervious, limpsheet material, and are sealingly secured together in a peripheral seam59 along their peripheral edge margins to form an envelope. The firstand second sheets 55, 57 may each be single-ply, but is more preferablya composition of multiple plies of sheet material. In addition, thefirst and second sheets 55, 57 are also joined together internally ofthe peripheral seam 59 to form several distinct cells, each capable ofcontaining its own volume of liquid. The distinct cells include a largereservoir cell 61 at the top of the flexible bag 9 which contains in theillustrated embodiment orange juice concentrate liquid. The reservoircell 61 is defined in part by the peripheral seam 59, but also by atransverse seam 63. There is also a concentrate dosing cell 65 definedby seam 67, a water dosing cell 69 defined by seam 71, a first mixingcell 73 defined by seam 75 and a second mixing cell 77 defined by seam79. It may be seen that the seams 67, 71 of the concentrate dosing cell65 and the water dosing cell 69 converge at one location, but stillseparate the cells.

[0041] The flexible bag 9 further includes a pair of openings 83extending through the entire bag which allow locators on the fixed andpivoting shell members 25, 27 to engage each other when the shellmembers are closed. An oval passage 87 also extends through the bag 9and allows for communication of vacuum pressure to the pivoting shellmember 27 from the fixed shell member 25. The flexible bag 9 is formedwith a pair of notches 89 aligned on laterally opposite sides. Thesenotches 89 are located to mate with the “V” of the V-block 31. A secondpair of notches 91 is located on the lower edge of the bag provideclearance for hinges 29 which connect the fixed and pivoting shellmembers 25, 27 together.

[0042] The first and second sheets 55, 57 sandwich a rigid plasticmanifold (generally indicated at 95) between them which defines, alongwith the first and second sheets, flow paths for liquid within theflexible bag 9. The manifold 95 may be a molded piece, but othermaterials and methods of construction may be used without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. The rigidity of the manifold 95 issufficient to keep the paths open under the pressure differentialsexperienced during relatively high speed flow of liquid through thepaths. Moreover, the rigid manifold 95 isolates the reservoir cell 61from the dosing cells 65, 69 and mixing cells 73, 77 so that it is notinfluenced by the forces producing repeated expansion and contraction ofthese cells in operation. Referring to FIGS. 7-9, it may be seen thatthe manifold 95 is a skeletal frame, essentially defining side walls offlow paths, but not the tops and bottoms which are defined by the firstand second sheets 55, 57. More particularly, the manifold 95 includes arectangular exterior frame element 97 supporting the remaining elementsof the manifold.

[0043] Triangular elements 99 having sloping sides project outwardlyfrom the rectangular frame element 97 near its edges. These triangularelements 99 facilitate attachment of the first and second sheets 55, 57to the manifold 95, avoiding a sharp edge where the first and secondsheets encounter the manifold along their vertical side edges. Tubesformed as part of the manifold 95 provide fluid communication of themanifold with the cells 65, 69, 73, 77 formed in the flexible bag 9. Thetubes include a water dosing cell tube 101, a concentrate dosing celltube 103, a first mixing cell tube 105, a second mixing cell tube 107and an outlet tube 109. These tubes are formed from the material of themanifold 95 and defining flow paths independently of the first andsecond sheets 55, 57. The outer ends of the tubes 101, 103, 105, 107,109 open into their respective cells 69, 65, 73 and 77, and the tubesextend through the rectangular frame element 97 into the interior of themanifold 95. The reservoir cell 61 is serviced by an inlet channel 111projecting outwardly from the rectangular frame element 97 and openinginto the reservoir cell. Unlike the tubes 101, etc., the inlet channel111 is open to one side of the manifold 95 and uses the first sheet 55to enclose a flow path for liquid from the reservoir cell 61 for reasonswhich will be explained hereinafter. All of the tubes except the outlettube 109, and the inlet channel 111 have wings 101A, 103A, 105A, 107A,111A, which taper in a radial direction outward from the tube. Thesewings provide larger and smoother surfaces for joining the first andsecond sheets 55, 57 to the tubes 101, 103, 105, 107 and inlet channel111 to facilitate a sealing connection which will not be broken underforces ordinarily experienced by the flexible bag 9.

[0044] The rigid manifold 95 provides many advantages. However, it isalso possible to form the flow paths in other ways. For instance, flowpaths may be formed entirely by making seals (not shown) within theflexible bag 9 to define passages. Moreover, instead of a single rigidmanifold, individual rigid tubes or other support pieces (not shown, butsimilar to tubes 101, 103, 105 and 107) could be used independently ofother rigid structure at critical locations (e.g., at the openings intothe cells 65, 69, 73, 77) in otherwise flexible passages to keep thepassage open. As one further alternative, the passages could be formedby individual tubes (not shown) sealed between sheets 55, 57 of theflexible bag 9. Valve windows could be formed between adjacent tubes byforming small pockets in the bag 9 by sealing the sheets 55, 57 of thebag together. Two (or more) aligned tubes would open into the valvewindow. Valve heads could then act to collapse (by pressing on) andrelease the windows to prevent or allow passage of liquid.

[0045] Water inlet openings are defined by two generally circular frameelements 115 on the left hand side of the manifold 95 (as oriented inFIGS. 8 and 9). The circular frame elements 115 converge in part withthe rectangular frame element 97. Each circular frame element 115 iscapable of receiving a water inlet line (not shown) for delivery ofwater, such as from a public drinking water line, into the manifold 95.Two circular frame elements 115 are provided so that the water line canbe attached on either side of the flexible bag 9. Thus, the bag does notrequire a particular orientation to function. A passage (generallyindicated at 117) of the manifold 95 is defined largely by first andsecond internal wall frame elements (designated 119 and 121,respectively) extending lengthwise of the manifold within therectangular frame element 97. The internal wall frame elements 119, 121are opposed to each other and define sides of the passage 117. Thepassage is enclosed by the securement of the first and second sheets 55,57 to the tops of the first and second internal wall frame elements 119,121. At certain locations, the manifold 95 is formed with valve seats(generally indicated at 123) which are open on the side closed by thefirst sheet 55, but closed on the side adjacent the second sheet 57. Thefirst wall frame element 119 has a break aligned with the reservoirinlet channel 111 for passage of liquid concentrate (i.e., orange juiceconcentrate) into the manifold 95. The second internal wall frameelement 121 includes four breaks where the second internal wall frameelement extends to an intersection with the rectangular wall frameelement 97. These breaks are aligned with the locations where the tubes101, 103, 107 and 109 pass through the rectangular frame element forpassage of liquid into and/or out of the manifold 95.

[0046] The passage 117 has two branches 117A, 117B providing forseparate flow to the first and second mixing cells 73, 77 from thedosing cells 65, 69, and from the mixing cells to the outlet tube 109.The branches extend from a break in the first internal wall frameelement to the right end of the manifold 95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and9). One branch (117B) is defined by a continuation of the first andsecond internal wall frame elements 119, 121 down the center of themanifold 95. The other branch 117A is defined by the first wall frameelement 119 and the interior of the rectangular frame element 97 suchthat the branch extends along the top of the manifold 95, parallel tobranch 117B. The branch 117A opens to the first mixing cell 73, but notthe second mixing cell 77. Similarly, branch 117B opens to the secondmixing cell 77, but not the first mixing cell 73. The branch 117Bcommunicates with the second mixing cell 77 by one of the breaks in thesecond internal wall frame element 121. The branch 117A communicateswith the first mixing cell 73 by way of a channel element (generallyindicated at 125). The channel element 125 extends from the opening inthe rectangular frame element 97 associated with the first mixing celltube 105, through branch 117B and to a break in the first internal wallframe element 119 where it opens into the branch 117A. The channel 125is closed from branch 117B by the presence of a bottom wall 127 and twolateral walls 129 of the channel. The channel 125 is split in two by aninternal divider 131. The divider 131 supports the sheet 55 againstcollapsing into the channel 125. The channel is not as deep as thethickness of the manifold 95 or the height of the opposing walls 119,121. Therefore, liquid in branch 117B is able to continue past thechannel 125 by passing behind it (as the manifold 95 is viewed in FIGS.8 and 9). The two branches 117A, 117B join together again into a singlepassage 117 adjacent to the outlet tube 109 so that both the first andsecond mixing cells 73, 77 deliver the mixed liquid to the samelocation.

[0047] The valve seats 123 are used in the control of the direction ofliquid flow inside the manifold 95. The overall operation of the flowcontrol apparatus 7, including the routing of liquid within the manifold95, will be described more completely below. The valve seats 123 aredefined in part by opposed arcuate sections 135 which may be formed bythe rectangular frame element 97 and first internal wall frame element119, the first and second internal wall frame elements 119, 121, or byopposed sections of the reservoir cell inlet channel 111. Each pair ofopposed arcuate sections defines a valve window. All of the valve seats123 have substantially the same construction, and a representative oneof the valve seats is shown in cross section in FIG. 10. The valve seat123 joins together the internal wall frame element 119 and therectangular frame 97 defining the passage branch 117A on one sideadjacent to the second sheet 57. The valve seat 123 includes a sealingsurface 137 in the shape of a segment of a sphere. Ramps 139 extend fromthe side of the manifold 95 adjacent to the second sheet 57 to thesealing surface 137, facilitating flow of liquid to and from the regionof the sealing surface. It will be appreciated that the sealing surface137 of the valve seat 123 provides a hard, rigid surface against whichto form a seal to close the passage 117A at the location of the valveseat.

[0048]FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate a valve stem 143 andvalve head 145 of one of the solenoid valves (V7) which is used toselectively close the passage branch 117A at the valve seats 123illustrated in FIG. 10. There is one solenoid valve (V1-V8) for eachvalve seat 123, but other arrangements (not shown) could be used whereina single solenoid valve services more than one valve seat. The valvehead 145 includes a valve tip 147 attached to the valve head. A distalsurface 149 of the valve tip 147 is shaped in correspondence with theshape of the sealing surface 137 of the valve seat 123. The valve head145 is spaced from the valve seat 123 in FIG. 11 so that the passagebranch 117A is unobstructed and liquid may flow unimpeded through thepassage past the valve seat. To block the flow of liquid through thepoint of the passage coinciding with the location of the valve seat 123,the valve stem 143 is extended by the solenoid valve V7 so that thevalve tip 147 engages the first sheet 55 and deforms it into the valveseat window 135. The first sheet 55 is pressed tightly against thesealing surface 137 of the valve seat 123 and substantially conforms tothe sealing surface over the surface area of the distal surface 149 ofthe valve tip 147 so that so that the passage is occluded by thedeformed portion of the first sheet, as shown in FIG. 12. The valve tip147 is preferably made of an elastomeric material which is capable ofresilient deformation. An example of such a material is silicone rubberhaving a hardness of 25-30 Shor A. Generally speaking, the hardness ofthe material should not be above 35 Shor A. Other materials could beused, such as a soft polyurethane, natural rubber and a thermoplasticelastomer (e.g., Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer available from E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Co. of Wilmington, Del.).

[0049] It is not uncommon for the liquid flowing within the manifold 95to contain particulate matter, for example, orange juice may containpulp. Should a piece of pulp become lodged between the first sheet 55and the valve seat 123, it could cause separation of the first sheetfrom the sealing surface 137, resulting in leakage past the valve seat.However, the resiliently deformable valve tip 147 of the presentinvention is capable of deforming itself and the first sheet 55 aboutthe pulp (or other particulate) in the liquid so that the first sheet isforced down against the sealing surface 137 around the pulp, at leastpartially enveloping the pulp and sealing around it. In this way, thepassage 117A is still blocked notwithstanding the presence of pulp oranother particulate at the valve seat 123. When the solenoid valve V7 isopened (i.e., moves the valve head 145 and tip 147 back to the positionof FIG. 11), the first sheet 55 resiliently springs back to its originalposition above the sealing surface 137, reopening the passage past thevalve seat 123.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each solenoid valve, includingillustrated solenoid valve V7, includes a cylinder 153 having a flange155 at one end for use in mounting on the frame 23 and fixed shellmember 25. The cylinder 153 receives the valve stem 143 which is biasedoutwardly from the cylinder by a coil spring 157 which engages thecylinder and the valve head 145. Thus, the ordinary or unenergizedposition of the solenoid valve V7 is to close the passage 117A by forceof the spring 157. The cylinder 153 contains a suitable electromagneticdevice which is operable upon energization to draw the valve stem 143into the cylinder and to open the valve seat 123 for transfer of liquidthrough the passage 117A. The solenoid valve V7 may be configureddifferently than shown and other types of valves may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14,the valve tip 147 comprises a roughly half-moon shaped piece 159 ofsilicone rubber and a pair of attachment rods 161. The attachment rodsare received in holes (not shown) in the valve head 145 for securing thevalve tip 147 to the head. The valve head 145 includes a transversegroove 163 which receives the inner end margin of the rubber piece 159.Tongues 165 project longitudinally of the solenoid valve V7 from thehead 145 on opposite sides of the rubber piece 159 when received in thegroove 163. The tongues 165 have roughly arcuate shapes incorrespondence to the shape of the distal surface 149 of the valve tip147 to provide support against lateral movement of the valve tip indirections perpendicular to the major surfaces of the piece 159.

[0051] The solenoid valves V1-V8 are mounted on the frame 23 and fixedshell member 25 by respective pairs of bolts 169 which extend throughholes 171 in the flanges 155 of the cylinders 153, through the frame andinto the fixed shell member. It is noted with reference to FIG. 16 thatone pair of solenoid valves (V3 and V4), because of their orientationand close proximity to each other share a flange 155 which receivesthree bolts 169 to mount the pair of valves. The valve stem 143 of eachvalve (V1-V8) extends into the fixed shell member 25 and the valve head145 is located in a respective one of openings 173 formed on theinterior face of the fixed shell member (see FIG. 15). Each solenoidvalve (e.g., solenoid valve V7) is operable to move the valve tip 147through the opening 173 to deform the first sheet 55 into engagementwith a sealing surface 137 of the corresponding valve seat 123 of theflexible bag 9 to occlude the passage 117 at the location of thatparticular valve, and to retract into the opening to open the passage.It will be appreciated that in operation, these openings 173 are alignedwith respective valve seats 123 of the manifold 95. An aperture 175 inthe inner face of the fixed shell member 25 is provided for passingvacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27. The aperture 175 issurrounded by an O-ring 177 for sealing engagement with the pivotingshell member 27 through the oval passage 87 in the flexible bag 9. Twocavities 179 at the bottom of the fixed shell member 25 are provided forthe hinge 29 connecting the pivoting shell member 27 to the fixed shellmember. Hinge pins 181 used to make the connection may be seen in eachcavity 179.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 15, the interior face of the fixed shell member25 is formed with two roughly oval (or egg-shaped) recesses indicated at185 and 187, which are sized and shaped to receive the first mixing cell73 and the second mixing cell 77, respectively, of the flexible bag 9. Athird recess 189 is sized to receive the concentrate dosing cell 65, anda fourth recess 191 is sized to receive the water dosing cell 69. Eachof the recesses (185, 187, 189, 191) in the fixed shell member 25 has agrouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at 195)in each recess is used for applying vacuum pressure to the recess andthe cell (73, 77, 65, 69) contained therein. An opening (not shown) inthe fixed shell member 25 in each of the recesses 185, 187, 189, 191 maybe provided to sensors (not shown) to ascertain the state of thecorresponding cell (65, 69, 73 and 77). The first two recesses 185, 187are surrounded by channels 197 which hold respective O-rings 198 forsealing with the flexible bag 9 adjacent to the portion of the mixingcells 73, 77 received in the recesses. The third and fourth recesses189, 191 are both surrounded by a single channel 197 and O-ring 198therein because the concentrate dosing cell 65 and the water dosing cell69 are operated conjointly in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, each ofthe first two recesses 185, 187, and the third and fourth recesses 189,191 are isolated in their own regions from the other regions and fromthe ambient so that the fluid pressure applied in each region isentirely independent of that applied in any other region. Only fragmentsof the O-rings 198 are shown in FIG. 15, but they extend completelyaround the channels 197.

[0053] The fluid pressure control valves PV1-PV4 (see FIG. 3) aremounted on the outer face of the fixed shell member 25 through anopening 199 (FIG. 16) in the frame 23. The control valves PV1-PV4 arenot shown in FIG. 16 for clarity. There is one control valve (PV2-PV4)for each of the aforementioned isolated regions in the fixed shellmember inner face, and one control valve PV1 for the application ofvacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27. The control valvesPV1-PV4 are each connected to a high pressure input connector 201, a lowpressure input connector 203 and a vacuum pressure input connector 205extending through the cover 47 on the top side thereof (see FIG. 3). Thehigh pressure input connector 201 may for example deliver airpressurized to about 40 psi for use in driving the operation of thecontrol valves PV1-PV4. The control valves PV1-PV4 are also connected toa source of electrical power (not shown) for use in driving operation ofthe valves.

[0054] The low pressure input connector 23 may for example deliver airpressurized to about 10 psi for use in apply pressure tending tocollapse the cells 65, 69, 73, 77 of the flexible bag 9. The vacuumpressure connector 205 may for example deliver a vacuum pressure ofabout −7 psi for expanding the cells 65, 69, 73, 77 and also for holdingthe second sheet 57 of the flexible bag 9 against the pivoting shellmember 27, as will be more fully described. Other pressures may beapplied without departing from the scope of the present invention. It isalso possible to apply pressure and vacuum to the side of the flexiblebag 9 facing the pivoting shell member 27 within the scope of thepresent invention. The control valves PV1-PV4 operate so that positiveor vacuum pressure is applied to the respective cells 65, 69, 73, 77through the ports 195 in the recesses of the fixed shell member 25 forcollapsing or expanding the cells to selectively discharge or draw inliquid. Control valve PV1 is connected to the fixed shell member 25 by afitting 202, control valve PV2 is connected by fittings 204A, 204B,control valve PV3 is connected by a fitting 206 and control valve PV4 isconnected by a fitting 208. The fittings 202, 204A, 204B, 206, 208 areconnected by passaging in the fixed shell member 25 and (in the case offitting 202) in the pivoting shell member 27 to respective ones of therecesses 185, 187, 189, 191, 211, 213, 215, 217 for applying positiveand vacuum pressure. A member 212 projecting from the cover 47 isprovided for making electrical connection to the valves PV1-PV4 and forventing air to ambient.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the pivoting shell member 27mounts on its outer face (FIG. 17) the previously described latchingmechanisms 37 used to secure the pivoting shell member to the fixedshell member 25 in the closed position. A quick release connector 209 iscapable of releasable, sealing attachment of a water line hose (notshown) thereto for supplying water (the diluent) to the flow controlapparatus 7. The water passes from the connector 209 through the innerface of the pivoting shell member 27 to a shuttle connector 210. Theshuttle connector punctures the second sheet 57 of the flexible bag 9when the pivoting shell member 27 is closed, and seals with the circularframe element (inlet) 115 in the manifold 95 (e.g., as by engagement ofan O-ring in the frame element). However, other structures for makingthe water connection, including a strictly manual connection, arecontemplated. The inner face of the pivoting shell member 27 hasrecesses (designated 211, 213, respectively) to receive respectivehalves of the mixing cells 73, 77, a recess 215 to receive half of theconcentrate dosing cell 65 and a recess 217 to receive essentially halfof the water dosing cell 69.

[0056] The mixing cell recesses 211, 213 are each surrounded by grooves219 which contain respective O-rings 220 adapted for sealing engagementwith the flexible bag 9 to isolate the recess from the other recess andfrom ambient. A single groove 219 and O-ring 220 surrounds a regionincluding the recess 215 for the concentrate dosing cell 65 and therecess 217 for the water dosing cell 69. The single O-ring 220 isolatesthese two recesses 215, 217 from the other recesses 211, 213 and fromambient. Only fragmentary portions of the O-rings 220 are shown in FIG.18, but they extend the full length of the grooves 219. A grouping offour small ports (the grouping indicated generally at 221) in eachrecess provides fluid communication for vacuum pressure to the half ofthe cells 73, 77, 65, 69 in the recesses 211, 213, 215, 217. This vacuumpressure is communicated from the fixed shell member 25 through theopening 175 in the inner face of the fixed shell member which issealingly engaged through the oval passage 87 in the flexible bag 9 withthe inner face of the pivoting shell member 27 around an opening. Theopening communicates with internal passages generally indicated at 225in the pivoting shell member 27 (see FIG. 19) to communicate the vacuumpressure to each of the groupings of ports 221.

[0057]FIG. 19A schematically illustrates the advantageous constructionof the tube wing 103A of the tube 103 in the isolation of the regionsaround the recesses 185, 187 and the two recesses 189, 191. The taperedshape of the wing 101A allows the O-rings 198, 220 to graduallytransition over the tube 101 so that it maintains continuous contactwith the respective one of the first and second sheets 55, 57 of thebag. A sharp transition over a rigid tube (not shown) could produce agap in contact between the seals 198, 220 and their corresponding sheet55, 57 resulting in leakage from the isolated region and loss ofpositive or vacuum pressure in the region. The rigid tubes 101, 103,105, 107 perform the important function of maintaining communication ofthe manifold 95 with the cells 65, 69, 73, 77, although the cells expandand collapse repeatedly during the cycle. Otherwise an inlet would havea tendency to collapse before the necessary liquid had passed through.

[0058] Cavities 227 at the lower edge margin of the pivoting shellmember 27 receive hinge blocks 229 fixedly attached to the pivotingshell member and projecting outwardly therefrom. The hinge blocks 229extend into the cavities 179 at the lower edge margin of the fixed shellmember 25 where they are pivotally mounted on the fixed shell member bythe hinge pins 181. This arrangement is best seen in FIG. 19, whichillustrates the fixed and pivoting shell members 25, 27 in a closedposition. Thus, the pivoting shell member 27 is capable of pivoting withrespect to the fixed shell member 25 between the open and closedpositions. Two circular slots 226A, and an elongate slot 226B (FIG. 18)are adapted to receive conical locator pins 228A and elongate, taperedtab 228B (FIG. 15) to align the fixed and pivoting shell members 25, 27when they are closed. The conical and tapered shape of the pins 228A andtab 228B allow mating with the corresponding slots even though thepivoting shell member 27 moves along a circular arc into engagement withthe fixed shell member 25.

[0059] Before describing another embodiment, the general operation ofthe first embodiment will be described. Referring first to FIG. 20, thea controller 233 (e.g., a programmable logic controller) is connected tothe solenoid valves V1-V8 (only two of which are illustrated) toactivate and deactivate the valves according to a preset program ofoperation. The controller 233 is also connected to the control valvesPV1-PV4 shown in FIG. 21, although the connection is not specificallyillustrated. The control valves PV1-PV4 could be controlled by aseparate controller (not shown) without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The pneumatic system of the flow control apparatus 7includes a pump 235 for providing suitable fluid pressures aboveatmospheric. A line 237 from the pump 235 extends through a controlvalve 239 and past a pressure sensor 241 to a tank 243. Another line 245extending from the tank 243 breaks into two branches (245A, 245B), eachhaving its own pressure regulator 247. The branches 245A, 245B are thenconnected to the control valves PV1-PV4 as previously stated. A vacuumpump 249 is also connected to the control valves PV1-PV4 by a line 251.In one example, the pump 235 is operated to maintain the pressure in thetank 243 at about 50 psi. When the pressure sensor 241 detects that thepressure has reached 50 psi or above, it shuts down the pump and/orshuts off the valve 239. The upper pressure regulator 247 in theschematic can be operated to control the pressure in the branch 245A toabout 40 psi and the lower pressure regulator can be operated to controlthe pressure in the branch 245B to about 10 psi. The vacuum supplied tothe control valve PV1-PV4 by the vacuum pump 249 may be at about −7 psi,as stated previously. The 40 psi pressure is used to drive the controlvalves PV1-PV4 to change between the application of positive pressure tothe recesses 185, 187, 189, 191 in the fixed shell member 25 and theapplication of vacuum pressure. In this embodiment, a constant vacuumpressure is applied to the parts of the cells 65, 69, 73, 77 formed bythe second sheet 57 of the flexible bag 9. These parts of the cells 65,69, 73, 77 are received in respective ones of the recesses 215, 217,211, 213 in the pivoting shell member 27.

[0060] Orange juice concentrate may be packaged in the flexible bag 9 atone location under aseptic conditions (or sterilized after packaging)and shipped with other flexible bags to another location (e.g., arestaurant or cafeteria) where the drink dispenser 1 is located. It willbe readily appreciated that one flexible bag 9 may be replaced withanother by opening the pivoting shell member 27 (FIG. 4), lifting theone bag off of the pins 49 and hanging a new bag on the pins. The newflexible bag 9 is guided between the V-blocks 31, and the notches 89 inthe vertical sides of the bag are placed in registration with theV-blocks. The pivoting shell member 27 is swung up to the closedposition and the latch bolts 35 lock in the receptacles 33. Thereservoir cell 61 is located above the fixed and pivoting shell members25, 27. The concentrate dosing cell 65, the water dosing cell 69 and themixing cells 73, 77 are received in the recesses 189/215, 191/217,185/211, 187/213 of the fixed and pivoting shell members 25, 27. A waterline is attached to the quick release connector 209 on the outer face ofthe pivoting shell member 27 and an output line 253 (FIG. 2) isconnected to the outlet tube 109 extending down from the manifold 95.The entire flow control apparatus 7 may then be slid back into thecabinet 3 by collapsing the telescoping sections 19A, 19B, 21A, 21B ofthe slides 19, 21. Any connections which were removed to allow the flowcontrol apparatus 7 to slide out of the cabinet compartment 5 arerestored.

[0061] The controller 233 may then automatically operate the cycle sothat any air in the mixing cells 73, 77 or dosing cells 65, 69 iseliminated and the flow control apparatus 7 is primed. For example allof the mixing cells 73, 77 and dosing cells 65, 69 may first becollapsed to purge air, which is exhausted through the outlet tube. Bothof the dosing cells 65, 69 may be filled with water which issubsequently delivered to the first mixing cell 73. Then the dosingcells 65, 69 refill with water as the water in the mixing cell 73 isdischarged through the outlet tube 109. The second mixing cell 77 isfilled with water from the dosing cells 65, 69. This time as the secondmixing cell 77 is discharging the water through the outlet tube 109, theconcentrate dosing cell 65 is filled with orange juice concentrate fromthe reservoir cell 61, and the water dosing cell 69 is filled withwater. The combined volume of the recesses 189 and 215 receiving thedosing cell 65, and the combined volume of the recesses 191 and 217receiving the water dosing cell 69 in the closed position of the fixedand pivoting shell members is selected so that the appropriate dilutionof the orange juice concentrate is achieved. The dosing cells 65, 69themselves are sized sufficiently large to fill their respectivecontaining volumes. The total combined volume of the recess 189, 215,191, 217 may be four ounces, and the volume of each pair of recesses185/211 and 187/213, holding mixing cells 73 and 77, respectively, maybe four ounces. To continue with the priming operation, the contents ofthe dosing cells 65, 69 are pumped to the first mixing cell 73. Noagitation of the concentrate and water in the mixing cells 73 or 77 isdone. The turbulence of the flow of orange juice concentrate and waterwhen it enters the mixing cells 73, 77 is sufficient for mixture.However, additional agitation could be used, such as by applyingpositive and vacuum pressure cyclically to the mixing cell 73, 77 whileholding the liquids in the mixing cell. The mixing cell 73 dischargesthe mixture through the outlet tube 109 as the concentrate dosing cell65 and water dosing cell 69 refill with orange juice and water,respectively. The second mixing cell 77 is then filled with the contentsof the dosing cells 65, 69. The dosing cells refill and the flow controlapparatus 7 is ready for operation.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 22, a chart indicating operation of theflow control apparatus 7 to dispense a fixed volume of liquid (e.g.,eight ounces of orange juice diluted from concentrate) over a single sixsecond cycle is shown. The exact amount of time is an example and may beother than six seconds. The plot for control valve PV1 represents thepressure which is applied to the sides of the mixing cells 73, 77 anddosing cells 65, 69 which are received in the recesses 211, 213, 215,217 of the pivoting shell member 27. As stated previously, a constantvacuum pressure is applied throughout the cycle so that these halves ofthe cells 73, 77, 65, 69 are constantly held against the pivoting shellmember 27 in their respective recesses 211, 213, 215, 217. Control valvePV1 operates either to apply vacuum pressure (−7 psi) to the recesses211, 213, 215, 217 of the pivoting shell member 27 or to vent therecesses to atmosphere. The plot for control valve PV2 illustrates theapplication of pressure to the recesses 189, 191 of the fixed shellmember 25 receiving the concentrate dosing cell 65 and the water dosingcell 69 by operation of the control valve. It will be readilyappreciated that these cells 65, 69 are always expanded and collapsed atthe same time in operation of the flow control apparatus 7. The plotsfor control valves PV3 and PV4 represent the expansion and collapse ofthe mixing cells 73, 77, as controlled by those control valves. A lineat “+10 psi” indicates positive pressure is applied (i.e., the cell iscollapsed) and a line a “−7 psi” indicates that a vacuum is applied(i.e., the cell is expanded). The exact pressures shown are illustrativeand not limiting. For each of the solenoid valves V1-V8, a horizontalline at “1” means that the valve is open, allowing liquid to flow pastthe valve seat 123, and a line at “0” means the valve is closed,blocking flow of liquid past the valve seat. The condition of the mixingcells 73, 77 and dosing cells 65, 69 and the positions of the solenoidvalves V1-V8 at any given instant can be seen by reading down along avertical line in the chart.

[0063] Operation begins by pressing the button 17 on the exterior of thedrink dispenser 1 (FIG. 1) and the controller 233 (FIG. 20) initiatesoperation of the cycle. Positive pressure is applied through the controlvalve PV4 and the mixing cell 77 is urged to collapse. Valve V8 is openand valve V7 is closed so that the mixture which was previouslydelivered to the mixing cell 77 during the purge and prime operationdescribed above, is discharged to the cup C (FIG. 1). At the same time,positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV2 to the dosingcells 65, 69 discharging the contents of both cells (filled in the purgeand prime operation) into the manifold passage 117 through theirrespective tubes 101, 103. Valve V1 is closed so no additional water isadded to the manifold 95 and there is no backflow into the water system.Valves V2, V4 and V5 are open, while valves V6 and V7 are closed and themixing cell 73 is expanded by operation of PV3 so that the contents ofthe dosing cells 65, 69 are received in the mixing cell. V3 is closed,shutting off the reservoir cell 61 from the manifold 95. This conditionis maintained for about 1.5 seconds.

[0064] It is now time for the mixing cell 73 to discharge and the dosingcells 65, 69 to refill with orange juice concentrate from the reservoircell 61 and water from the water inlet 115, respectively. Thus, positivepressure is applied through control valve PV3 to the mixing cell, valveV6 is opened and valve V5 is closed so that the orange juice mix isdischarged through the outlet tube 109. Positive pressure remains on themixing cell 77 and valve V8 remains open to discharge any remainingliquid from the mixing cell. Vacuum pressure is applied via PV2 toexpand the dosing cells 65, 69. Valves V1 to the water line and V3 tothe reservoir cell 61 are opened, while valves V4 and V2 are closed sothat the concentrate dosing cell 65 is filled with concentrated orangejuice from the reservoir cell and the water dosing cell 69 is filledwith water.

[0065] In the next 1.5 second period, pressure is again applied throughPV2 to the dosing cells 65, 69 and valves V2, V4 and V7 are open, whileV5 and V8 are closed so that the water and orange juice concentrate aredelivered through the top branch 117A of the passage to mixing cell 77on which a vacuum pressure is applied by PV4. Positive pressurecontinues to be applied through PV3 to the mixing cell 73 and valve V6remains open so that remaining contents of the mixing cell can bedischarged. In the last 1.5 second period, the dosing cells 65, 69 arerefilled. Vacuum pressure is applied to the dosing cells 65, 69 by PV2and valves V1 and V3 are opened. The full eight ounces was previouslydischarged in the last period, so vacuum pressure is maintained on themixing cell 77 by control valve PV4. The flow control apparatus 7 isthen prepared to repeat the cycle the next time this button 17 ispressed.

[0066] Continuous flow operation of the flow control apparatus 7 isillustrated by the chart in FIG. 23, and follows the same initial purgeand prime operation described. The operation is illustrated as a foursecond repeating cycle. The dosing cells 65, 69 empty and fill every twoseconds, while the mixing cells 73, 77 fill for two seconds and dispensefor two seconds. Reference is made to FIG. 23 for the details as towhich solenoid valves V1-V8 are open or closed. The flow controlapparatus 7 operates to dispense orange juice continuously so long asthe button 17 continues to be depressed.

[0067] A portion of a flow control apparatus 7′ of a second embodimentis schematically illustrated in FIG. 24. The construction of the flowcontrol apparatus may be essentially identical to the flow controlapparatus 7 of the first embodiment except that the pump 235 and controlvalves PV1-PV4 of the first embodiment are replaced with threecylinders, designated 257, 259 and 261, respectively. The cylinders 257,259, 261 have the advantage of being able to fit in a very small volumeand to operate silently. Each of the cylinders 257, 259, 261 has apiston head 263 movable lengthwise of the cylinder. Pressure/vacuumlines 265, 267, 269 extend from each cylinder 257, 259, 261 to the fixedshell member 25 and acts on a respective one of the mixing cells 73, 77,or on both of the dosing cells 65, 69. The cylinders 257, 259, 261 areeach an essentially closed pneumatic system. Movement of the piston head263 toward the discharge end of the cylinder 257, 259, 261 applies apressure to the cell 65, 69, 73, 77 to collapse the cell, and movementof the head toward the opposite end applies a vacuum pressure to expandthe cell. Regions within the cylinders where positive, atmospheric andvacuum pressures are applied have been delineated in the drawing.Preferably in when the piston head 263 is in the atmospheric region,there is an automatically opening valve (not shown) which vents thecylinder 257, 259, 261 to atmosphere to keep the position of the head atwhich a particular pressure is applied from drifting.

[0068] A cycle of operation of the pneumatic part of the operation ofthe flow control apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 25. The operation isnot materially different from the continuous flow operation of the firstembodiment. However, because the cylinders 257, 259, 261 are used, thechangeover from positive to vacuum pressure (and vice versa) is notsubstantially instantaneous. Accordingly the pressure changes along asteep, but discernable slope from one pressure to the other and back.Moreover, a constant vacuum pressure is applied to the pivoting shellmember 27 (and thence to the recesses 211, 213, 215, 217) throughcontrol valve PV1 by a line 264 (see FIG. 24) connecting PV1 to one ormore of the cylinders 257, 259, 261 (illustrated as being cylinder 257in the drawing). The line 264 contains a check valve 266 which allows avacuum to be drawn in the pivoting shell member 27 when a vacuum isdrawn in the corresponding cylinder(s), but does not allow positive airpressure to enter. Ideally, once an initial vacuum is drawn on thepivoting shell member it would hold without further action by thecylinder 257. However, if needed this cylinder 257 can restore a loss ofvacuum.

[0069] A second version of the flow control apparatus 7′ of the secondembodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 26. The construction is nearlythe same as the first version, but the mixing cells 73, 77 are nowoperated by one double acting cylinder 270. The line and check valve forapplying vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 is notillustrated in FIG. 26. As may be seen, pressure lines, designated 271,273 extend from both ends of the cylinder 270. The cylinder is again aclosed pneumatic system. Thus, as a piston head 272 moves toward one endof the cylinder 270, pressure is applied through one of the lines 271,while vacuum is applied through the other line 273. Because the mixingcells 73, 77 are operated in precisely the opposite manner at all times,such an arrangement is possible and provides even more compactness andefficiency of construction and operation. Another cylinder 275 connectedby line 277 operates to expand and compress dosing cells 65, 69.

[0070] A third version of the flow control apparatus of the secondembodiment 7′ is schematically shown in FIG. 27. In this version, theseparate cylinder for the dosing cells 65, 69 is eliminated. However,additional control valves are required which operate in a rather morecomplicated manner because the dosing cells 65, 69 must cycle(fill/discharge) twice as fast as the mixing cells 73, 77. The drawingshows the third version in an initial part of the cycle where a righthand cylinder 279 is used (by opening the appropriate valves) to applypressure to the dosing cells 65, 69 and vacuum to the mixing cell 73.The other cylinder 281 applies positive pressure to the mixing cell 77for dispensing its contents. A line 282 to the dosing cells 65, 69 canremain in communication with the same cylinder 279 as its piston head283 shifts to place positive pressure on the mixing cell 73 and vacuumpressure on the dosing cells 65, 69 to discharge to the contents of themixing cell 73 and refill the dosing cells. Piston head 293 moves toapply a vacuum to the mixing cell 77. The dosing cells 65, 69 willdischarge again while the mixing cell 73 is still dispensing. In orderto discharge liquid from the dosing cells 65, 69, a valve 285 to thecylinder 279 is closed, as is a valve 287 to the mixing cell 73. A valve289 to the other cylinder 281 is opened, allowing positive pressure toflow to compress the dosing cells 65, 69 and discharge their contents tothe mixing cell 77. A valve 291 from the cylinder 281 to the mixing cell77 is then opened and the piston head 293 is moved to discharge thecontents of the mixing cell 77. The cylinder 281 simultaneously appliesa vacuum to the dosing cells 65, 69 for refilling. The line and checkvalve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 isnot illustrated in FIG. 27.

[0071] A fourth version of the flow control apparatus of the secondembodiment 7′ is schematically shown in FIG. 28 to comprise a singlecylinder 297 and control valves to operate each mixing cell 73, 77 andthe dosing cell 65, 69 combination. Lines are drawn within the cylinder297 to illustrate the different pressures applied to two fluid lines(designated 299, 301, respectively) extending from opposite ends of thecylinder as a function of the position a piston head 303. The cylinder297 is not structurally bifurcated into two chambers. In the initialposition illustrated in FIG. 28, a valve 305 is open to place the line301 in communication with the location of the dosing cells 65, 69 tocollapse them, while a valve 307 to the other line 299 from the dosingcells is shut. The piston head 303 will then move to the right to applypositive pressure to the mixing cell 73. The valve 307 to the line 299with the positive pressure will be closed and the valve 305 to the line301 now experiencing vacuum pressure will be opened to refill the dosingcells 65, 69. Next the dosing cells must be discharged while neither ofthe mixing cells 73, 77 changes state. Thus, a valve 309 to the mixingcell 73 and the valve 305 to the line from the dosing cells 65, 69 areclosed. A valve 311 to the mixing cell 77 is also closed, but the valve307 from the dosing cells 65, 69 to the line 299 is open, so thatpositive pressure is delivered to the dosing cells. The piston head 303will then move back to the left in the cylinder 297. The valves 309, 311to the mixing cells 73, 77 are opened again as this movement occurs. Thecycle of operation is then repeated. The line and check valve forapplying vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 is notillustrated in FIG. 28.

[0072] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0073] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0074] As various changes could be made in the above without departingfrom the scope of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible container for delivery of meteredquantities of fluent material therefrom, the container comprising: afirst flexible sheet; a second flexible sheet at least partially inopposed relationship with the first sheet such that the first and secondsheets define a volume capable of holding the fluent material; amanifold located between the first and second sheets, the manifoldincluding passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing wallsextending between sides of the manifold, at least portions of themanifold at the sides between the opposing walls being open, the wallsincluding at least one region in which the walls diverge and convergewith respect to each other to define a valve window in the passageelement; the first and second flexible sheets being sealingly attachedto the manifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifoldthereby to define with the walls a passage for the fluent materialwithin the manifold, at least one of the first and second flexiblesheets being elastically deformable at the valve window to a positionbetween the walls for occluding the passage at the valve window.
 2. Aflexible container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the manifold isformed with a valve seat generally at the valve window, the valve seatextending between and closing the side of the manifold within the valvewindow, the valve seat being adapted for sealing contact with the firstflexible sheet upon deformation of the first flexible sheet into thevalve window to occlude the passage.
 3. A flexible container as setforth in claim 2 wherein the valve seat has an arcuate recess adapted tosealingly engage the first flexible sheet upon deformation of the firstflexible sheet into the window.
 4. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 3 wherein the opposing manifold walls in the valve window extendalong arcs.
 5. A flexible container as set forth in claim 3 wherein thevalve seat is formed with ramps on opposite sides of the arcuate recess,the ramps extending from the arcuate recess to a location adjacent thesecond flexible sheet.
 6. A flexible container as set forth in claim 2where there are plural valve windows and valve seats in the manifold. 7.A flexible container as set forth in claim 6 wherein the passageincludes at least two branches.
 8. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 7 wherein the manifold has multiple ports for passage of fluentmaterial into and out of the manifold.
 9. A flexible container as setforth in claim 8 wherein the first and second sheets are sealingattached to each other to define multiple distinct cells within thecontainer capable of containing the fluent material, each of said cellsbeing in fluid communication with one of the ports.
 10. A flexiblecontainer as set forth in claim 9 wherein the manifold further comprisesrigid tubes extending outwardly from the remainder of the manifold andinto the cells, the rigid tubes defining at least some of the ports. 11.A flexible container as set forth in claim 10 wherein the tubes eachhave radially elongate, tapering wings.
 12. A flexible container as setforth in claim 10 wherein the manifold further comprises an internalchannel in fluid communication with one of the tubes, the fluid channelcrossing one of the passage branches and being sealed from fluidcommunication with the crossed passage branch, the fluid channel openinginto another of said passage branches.
 13. A flexible container as setforth in claim 1 in combination with the fluent material.
 14. A flexiblecontainer as set forth in claim 13 wherein the first and second sheetsare sealing attached to each other to define multiple distinct cellswithin the container capable of containing the fluent material, thefluent material being contained in a first of said cells.
 15. A flexiblecontainer as set forth in claim 13 wherein the fluent material is aconcentrated beverage liquid.
 16. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 14 wherein a second of said cells is sized for receiving apreselected volume corresponding to an amount of fluent material in asingle dispensed unit.
 17. A flexible container as set forth in claim 16wherein a third of said cells is sized for receiving a preselectedvolume of a fluent additive corresponding to an amount of fluentadditive added to the fluent material in the single dispensed unit. 18.A flexible container as set forth in claim 16 where a third cell and afourth cell are each sized for receiving a volume of fluent material andfluent additive equal to the total volume of the fluent material andfluent additive in the single dispensed unit.
 19. A flexible containeras set forth in claim 18 wherein the passage is configured for directingfluent material and fluent additive from the first and second cellsalternately to the third cell and to the fourth cell.
 20. A flow controlapparatus for controlling the flow of a fluent material from a flexiblecontainer by acting on the container, the flow control apparatuscomprising: a shell sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion ofthe flexible container therein; a valve including a valve head disposedfor movement relative to the shell between an open position in whichfluent material may flow within the flexible container past the locationof the valve head and a closed position in which fluent material isblocked from flowing within the flexible container past the location ofthe valve head, the valve head including a compliant tip adapted toresiliently deform for at least partially enveloping and sealing aroundparticulate matter in the fluent material to inhibit leaking of fluentmaterial past the valve head, the compliant tip of the valve headengaging the container in the closed position to stop the flow of fluentmaterial.
 21. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 20 whereinthe valve tip is made of an elastomeric material.
 22. Flow controlapparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein the elastomeric material ofthe valve tip has a hardness of about 25 to 30 Shor A.
 23. Flow controlapparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein the elastomeric material issilicone rubber.
 24. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 20wherein the valve head includes a rigid member mounting the valve tipthereon.
 25. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 24 wherein thevalve further comprises a driver for selectively driving movement of thevalve head between the open and closed positions.
 26. Flow controlapparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein the flow control apparatus isadapted to apply positive and negative fluid pressures to the flexiblecontainer for moving the fluent material therein.
 27. Flow controlapparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein the valve tip has an arcuatesurface arranged for engaging the flexible container in the closedposition of the valve.
 28. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim27 further comprising a valve seat having an arcuate recess of a shapecomplementary to the arcuate surface of the valve tip.
 29. Flow controlapparatus as set forth in claim 28 in combination with the flexiblecontainer, wherein the valve seat constitutes a portion of the flexiblecontainer.
 30. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 29 whereinthe flexible container comprises: a first flexible sheet; a secondflexible sheet at least partially in opposed relationship with the firstsheet such that the first and second sheets define a volume capable ofholding the fluent material; a manifold located between the first andsecond sheets, the manifold including passage elements comprising spacedapart, opposing walls extending between sides of the manifold, at leastportions of the manifold at the sides between the opposing walls beingopen, the manifold defining the valve seat; the first and secondflexible sheets being sealingly attached to the manifold over oppositeones of said open sides of the manifold thereby to define with the wallsa passage for the fluent material within the manifold, the firstflexible sheet being elastically deformable by the valve tip intoengagement with the valve seat for occluding the passage.
 31. Flowcontrol apparatus as set forth in claim 30 wherein the valve seat isformed with ramps on opposite sides of the arcuate recess, the rampsextending from the arcuate recess to a location adjacent the secondflexible sheet.
 32. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 31where there are plural valve seats in the manifold.
 33. Flow controlapparatus as set forth in claim 30 in combination with the fluentmaterial.
 34. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 33 whereinthe first and second sheets are sealing attached to each other to definemultiple distinct cells within the flexible container capable ofcontaining the fluent material, the fluent material being contained in afirst of said cells.
 35. Flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 34wherein the fluent material is a concentrated beverage liquid.
 36. Adrink dispenser comprising: a flexible bag comprising a first sheet anda second sheet and a manifold received between the first and secondsheet, the first and second sheets being joined together to defineplural cells capable of containing liquid, the plural cells including areservoir cell containing a concentrated drink liquid, a first dosingcell for receiving a volume of concentrated drink liquid to be diluted,a second dosing cell for receiving a volume of a diluent for dilutingthe concentrated drink liquid for consumption, and first and secondmixing cells for receiving the volumes of concentrated drink liquid anddiluent from the first and second dosing cells to mix the concentrateddrink liquid and the diluent, the flexible bag further comprising amanifold defining a passage connecting in fluid communication thereservoir cell and the first dosing cell, the manifold defining apassage for delivering concentrated drink liquid from the reservoir cellto the first dosing cell, the passage including two branches forselectively delivering concentrated drink liquid and diluent from thefirst and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell and to the secondmixing cell; a flow control apparatus at least partially receiving theflexible bag, the flow control apparatus including valves arranged forengaging the flexible bag for deforming at least one of the first andsecond sheets to selectively occlude portions of the passage, and acontroller for operating the valves to alternately block the passagebranch to the second mixing cell while leaving the branch to the firstmixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluentfrom the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell, andblock the passage branch to the first mixing cell while leaving thebranch to the second mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drinkliquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the secondmixing cell.
 37. A drink dispenser as set forth in claim 36 wherein theflow control apparatus comprises a fluid pressure device controlled bythe controller for acting upon the flexible bag to selectively compressor expand the cells to drive flow of fluid within the flexible bag. 38.A drink dispenser as set forth in claim 37 wherein the flexible bag hasan outlet port and the passage branches extent toward and are adaptedfor fluid communication with the outlet port, the controller beingoperable to open the passage branch from the first mixing cell to theoutlet port and block the passage branch from the second mixing celltoward the outlet port at the same time fluid communication of the firstand second dosing cells with the first mixing cell through the passagebranch is blocked and fluid communication of the first and second dosingcells to the second mixing cell is open, and to open the passage branchfrom the first mixing cell to the outlet port and block the passagebranch from the second mixing cell toward the outlet port at the sametime fluid communication of the first and second dosing cells with thefirst mixing cell through the passage branch is blocked and fluidcommunication of the first and second dosing cells to the second mixingcell is open.